NY Giants NFL Draft order 2026: Where New York stands after Week 16

Another week, another loss, and the New York Giants still hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Giants lost in embarrassing fashion to the Minnesota Vikings, and in doing so both preserved their possession of the first pick in the draft and put their offensive needs on full display. At the same time, the Tennessee Titans upset the Kansas City Chiefs, giving the Giants a bit of breathing room in the Top 10. Of course, the Giants’ loss and Titans’ win also sets up next week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders to (potentially) be for the first overall pick.

Updated NFL Draft order

1. New York Giants (2-13)
2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)*
3. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
4. Tennessee Titans (3-12)
5. New York Jets (3-12)
6. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)*
7. Washington Commanders (4-11)
8. New Orleans Saints (5-10)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
10. Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta Falcons (5-9)*

*The draft order will be updated following the 4:30 games

The Giants’ defense played well (albeit against an injured Vikings’ offense), however New York’s passing game was virtually nonexistent. That was thanks to a highly conservative gameplan called in fear of Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense, a depleted offensive line, and some terrible play from the Giants’ receivers.

The Giants’ offensive line and pass catchers conspired to make Dart’s life miserable.

Too often, the pass protection broke down in the face of Flores’ blitzes either resulting in hits on Dart or ineffective scrambles. And when the pass protection held up long enough to give Dart time, his pass catchers were unable to get open — or hang onto the ball when he was able to find them.

This game further reinforces the Giants’ pressing need for multiple receivers who can be reliable targets for the Giants’ young quarterback, as well as young linemen who can provide long term stability for the offensive front. The good news is that talented underclassmen receivers like Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), Chris Brazzell (Tennessee), and Ja’Kobi Lane (USC), and linemen like Olaivavega Ioane (OG, Penn State) and Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah) are declaring for the draft.

Holding the first overall pick would give the Giants the opportunity to trade down and fill multiple positions with talented players, getting some much-needed help for Dart.